Must See Archaeology Exhibits in 2015

Whether your traveling abroad this summer, or live close by to these venues and archaeological exhibits, they are certainly worth a peek. I was looking forward to visiting one of the local venues, Mummies of the World, in downtown Orlando. True, Orlando is most known for the parks filled with million upon millions of tourists, however once in a while, a great exhibition will come to town, giving parents something more relaxing to do while Jimmy rides Magic Mountain for the tenth time.

Check out Archaeology Travel's wonderful article-Temporary Archaeology Exhibitions Around the World in 2015, the Archaeological Institute of America's Exhibition Page, as well as read below for some more United States exhibitions, hopefully in your hometown.

Must See Temporary and Permanent Archaeology Exhibits in 2015

Heritage Awareness Diving Seminar (HADS)
St. Augustine, Fl

The Heritage Awareness Diving Seminar is intended to explain the advantages of conserving shipwrecks and other submerged cultural resources, not only to preserve information about our collective past, but also to preserve the vibrant ecosystems that grow around historic shipwrecks. HADS focuses on providing scuba training agency Course Directors, Instructor Trainers, and Instructors with a greater knowledge of how to proactively protect shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and other underwater cultural sites as part of the marine environment. Upon completion of HADS, participants can teach the new Heritage Awareness Diving Specialty Course, approved by PADI, NAUI, and SDI, as well as incorporate underwater historic preservation into other courses.

Exhibition Details

Mummies of the World-Orlando Science Center
Orlando, Fl

Mummies of the World portrays a once-in-a-lifetime collection of real mummies and artifacts from across the globe. This compelling collection, presented with reverence and dignity, includes ancient mummies dating back as far as 4,500 years. A fascinating mix of old and new, this captivating collection bridges the gap between past and present with contributions from 10 world-renowned Institutions and two private collectors.

The Exhibition is open Sunday through Thursday 10 am to 5 pm; Friday & Saturday 10 am to 9 pm. Last entry to the exhibition is 60 minutes before closing.

Exhibition Details

Pirates of Populonia -- the Myth of Etruscan Piracy in the Ancient Mediterranean
Ottawa, ON

Did the Etruscans deserve their reputation as seafaring villains? Jean MacIntosh Turfa, University of Pennsylvania Museum, thinks not. Come and find out why!

Exhibition Details

Time Exposures: Picturing a History of Isleta Pueblo Museum Exhibit-Heard Museum
Phoenix, AZ

In the fascinating new exhibit “Time Exposures: Picturing a History of Isleta Pueblo in the 19th Century”, the people of Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico tell their history and the lasting effects of 19th century changes on their lives today through historic photographs and a variety of media. The story unfolds in three parts: first, Pueblo people describe the year’s cycle as it was in the mid-19th century, then the arrival of Americans and how this disrupted their way of life, and finally they examine the historic photographs as products of Anglo culture and ask what kind of record they really represent.

Date(s) - 06/18/2015 - 09/27/2015
All Day

Exhibition Details

Extinct Madagascar: Picturing the Island's Past – Field Museum
Chicago, IL

You’ll learn how Field Museum scientist Steve Goodman and State University of New York professor Bill Jungers teamed up with artist Velizar Simeonovski to recapture the extinct animals and their habitats by creating digital illustrations—from the bones up.

Exhibition Details

Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age– Field Museum
Chicago, IL

Journey back millions of years ago to when mammoths and mastodons roamed the Earth. Joust with mammoth tusks. Touch colossal mastodon teeth. Confront their fierce neighbors—dire wolves and saber-toothed cats. Discover ancient cave drawings and learn why early humans both hunted and honored these majestic animals. Walk among these larger than life creatures for a day, in the most captivating exhibition since the Ice Age, back at The Field Museum by popular demand.

Exhibition Details

Before the Dinosaurs: Tracking the Reptiles of Pangaea – Field Museum
Chicago, IL

Journey across the globe with a Field Museum paleontologist and his team in search of what life was like before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. On this special expedition, see firsthand what it takes to find the perfect dig site and what supplies to pack - then start fossil hunting! See how a single rock layer can preserve hundreds of fossils, and then back in the lab, decide which fossils should be studied first. Examine the subtle features on a fossil bone that scientists use to figure out what species it is and how that species is related to other animals. Explore how the greatest extinction event of all time made room for the animals we know today. And learn how scientific collaborations like this let us unravel the mysteries of the evolution of life on Earth.

Exhibition Details


Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology-National Geographic Museum
Washington, DC

This first-of-its-kind touring museum exhibition was developed by X3 Productions in collaboration with a team of world-renowned specialists to ensure it presents a factual interpretation of the principles and methodologies of field archaeology. Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, presented by the National Geographic Society, immerses you in the science and history of field archaeology. Walk in the footsteps of beloved film hero Indiana Jones as you embark on this interactive museum adventure.

Exhibition Details


Please contact me about listing a museum event in your town. Or, please feel free to post it in the comments area.